Transgender and other gender minoritised assigned female at birth young adults' perceptions of and experiences with human papillomavirus vaccination.

Abstract

Transgender and other gender minoritised individuals have lower human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine completion rates than the general population, and little is known about how gender minoritised young adults perceive and experience HPV vaccination. The aim of this study was to characterise perceptions of, experiences with, and recommendations to facilitate access to HPV vaccination among transgender and other gender minoritised assigned female at birth (AFAB) young adults in the greater Boston area. In 2020, in-depth interviews were conducted in Boston with a purposive community sample of 34 transgender and other gender minoritised AFAB young adults aged 18-26. Thematic analysis was used to examine participants' HPV vaccine perceptions and experiences. Participants reported that gendered representations of the HPV vaccine, lack of relevant HPV vaccine education, and previous negative experiences with healthcare led to low prioritisation of, and at times avoidance of, HPV vaccination. Participants had inadequate and at times inaccurate understandings of the HPV vaccine and called for increased education of the public and healthcare providers on HPV vaccination for this vulnerable population. Targeted interventions providing transgender and other gender minoritised AFAB individuals with culturally responsive care and tailored information about the HPV vaccine are needed.